A beautifully sunny weekend, and the first weekend back from half term, meant that all sports were back up and running. The cricket teams could boast some fantastic results as teams took on local rivals Pangbourne College. However, when it came to taking on Lord Wandsworth College, the competition was somewhat tougher…

Cricket

3rd XI 140 for 7 vs Pangbourne College 36 all out

Thank you to Director of Sport Mr Duncan Traynor for the following report:

‘In a rematch against Pangbourne College, Shiplake came out on top again. Shiplake batted first and totalled 140 runs off their 20 overs. The star men for the team were Darius Braun and Louis Ashcroft, who scored 32 and 53 (not out), respectively. 140 was a touch target to chase and it was made even harder by the excellent bowling display from Shiplake. Max Haynes took 2 wickets and Tom Ibbitson took 3 but the real highlight came from Ethan Magala-Oruna who got a hat trick of wickets in his first over. Shiplake bowled Pangbourne out for 36 runs.’

U15A 81 for 6 vs Pangbourne College 80 for 8

Thank you to Mr Tom Walter for the following report from an incredible close match:

‘Shiplake went out to bat first and started well, as Toby Gorringe and Tom Lynskey managed to see out the opening bowlers and notch up a few runs in the process with both batsmen finding the boundary on numerous occasions. Lynskey was a little unfortunate to be given lbw, but with no TV replays to confirm whether the ball had hit the bat first, the decision stood. The batting performances of the day came from Rory Diez-Harrison and Cameron Jones, who put on a partnership of 64 with intense running and impressive communication. Diez-Harrison in particular was on fine form, scoring 66 not out, including 10 fours and a huge 6 to end the innings given Shiplake a total of 149 runs to defend.

After tea, the visitors were on the ropes immediately with Diez-Harrison again shining and taking 3 wickets for only 19 runs. Shiplake could sense victory but that all changed when Lord Wandsworth’s big hitter came into play and after being let off with a few dropped catches, he went on to score 57 off 38 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes. Some loose fielding also aided Lord Wandsworth’s late charge with several boundaries gifted to the opposition and in end the tail end saw out the victory, despite some consistent bowling from Sean Farrell and Thierry Althorp, who took 5 wickets between them.’

The 1st XI, 2nd XI, and U14A teams also claimed victory against Pangbourne College in Wednesday’s matches.

• 1st XI 117 for 8 vs Pangbourne College 115 all out
• 2nd XI 110 for 8 vs Pangbourne College 63 for 7
• U14A 144 for 5 vs Pangbourne College 130 all out

The teams all suffered losses to Lord Wandsworth College in tough matches on Saturday.

Tennis

Shiplake’s tennis teams continue to impress under the guidance of Mr Adam Mallins and his able team of coaches. In particularly note-worthy performances, the 1st VI and Colts VI claimed victory over Pangbourne College and Magdalen College School, respectively. Both teams came away with a 6-3 victory.